123Rd ANNIVERSARY of VITASCOPE HALL

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HollywoodontheBayou.com July 25, 2019 123rd ANNIVERSARY OF VITASCOPE HALL

The first seated indoor theater in the United States was opened on July 26, 1896 at 623 Canal Street in New Orleans. See Page 3.

What’s in this issue?

 Calendar of Events  Celebrating Satchmo  Vitascope Hall 123rd Anniversary  Iberia Film Festival  N.O. Film Society Summer Film Series  Louisiana Film Milestones

 Easy Rider 50th Anniversary  Louisiana Film Channel  Baton Rouge Irish Film Festival  Louisiana Future Film History

UPCOMING EVENTS July 25, 2019 Girls Trip - N.O. Film Society Free Screening - Orpheum July 26-28, 2019 48 Hour Film – New Orleans July 26-27, 2019 Baton Rouge Irish Fest – Manship Theater August 1, 2019 Bayou Maharajah - New Orleans Film Society Free Screening - Orpheum August 1-3, 2019 New Iberia Film Festival August 2-4, 2019 Satchmo SummerFest - New Orleans Mint

August 8, 2019 Down by Law - New Orleans Film Society Free Screening - Orpheum

Bikers on the Bayou - Easy Riding on the Bayou Tour - Easy Rider 50th An- August 24, 2019 niversary - Franklin, LA September 7-13, 2019 North Louisiana Gay & Lesbian Film Fest – Robinson Center Shreveport September 26-29, 2019 NOLA Horror Film Fest September 28, 2019 Easy Rider 50th Anniversary Village of Morganza October 4-5, 2019 Lake Charles Film Festival October 16,-23, 2019 New Orleans Film Festival November 1-2, 2019 Pontchartrain Film Fest – Covington November 7-10, 2019 Southern Screen Film Fest – Lafayette January 22-29, 2020 Cinema on the Bayou Film Fest - Lafayette March 20-21, 2020 Cane River Film Festival – Natchitoches

Hollywood on the Bayou’s Louisiana in Film is an online publication dedicated to documenting and recording the state’s film industry, chronicling Louisiana’s current status as a top feature and independent filmmaking location, and preserving the longstanding history of Louisiana in film. All images copyright The Poole Collection unless otherwise noted.

We would appreciate receiving comments and article ideas for future issues. Please forward these to [email protected] or visit our website HERE.

Hollywood on the Bayou Gretna, Louisiana (504) 298-5267 [email protected]

OPENED 123 YEARS AGO In New Orleans 1896, the city’s famed second floors of these buildings would Canal Street was the commercial and serve as commercial shops and social hub of the city. Like other major services, such as clothing stores, drug cities, the street was lined with 3-4 story stores, service companies, and buildings . The first and sometimes entertainment spots.

The building located at the corner of Rock and Wainwright fitted their new Canal and Exchange Place had been the retail space with 400 benches and chairs home of a series of standard retail that they had acquired from a local outlets for decades. However, the bankrupt funeral parlor. A large white building would soon get a fresh new look cloth was tightly stretched across a and purpose which would land the facility frame that was mounted at the front of in the record books. the room. Sheets of black canvas were hung across all of the windows to block In July 1896, business partners William out the sunlight. Rock and Walter Wainwright were busy preparing for their new business, an Once the necessary equipment was enterprise that would be like no other installed, the partners planned their seen in New Orleans – or anywhere in opening. the United States at that time. 3

On Sunday, July 26, 1896, Messrs. Wainwright and Rock opened the doors of their new risky enterprise -- and ushered in a new era in American cinema.

At that time, Raff & Gammon had acquired the rights to sell territorial use of Thomas Edison’s new moving picture camera called the Vitascope. Unlike the single-user viewing equipment that was in general use, this new camera projected images on a screen which could be seen by any number of viewers at one time. Edison had purchased the camera from its inventors Thomas Armat The above advertisement appeared in and Francis Jenkins. Originally called the Daily Picayune on July 26, 1896. the Phantoscope, Edison promptly renamed the camera “Edison’s Wonderful Vitascope” and marketed the “POP” ROCK BRINGS FIRST camera as his own. MOVIES TO LOUISIANA While working for them in New York, Raff William T. Rock (top right) was born in & Gammon asked Rock to take some of Birmingham, England and came to the their Vitascope territory, but the best they United States as a young man. In 1886, had to offer was Louisiana. Rock he formed the Ball Electric Illuminating purchased the Louisiana rights for the Company handling arc lamps. In 1896, use of the Vitascope for $2,500 ($1,500 he was contacted by Raff & Gammon to for the Vitascope and another $1000 for do some electrical work for them accessories and training).

With the Vitascope in hand, Rock to open an indoor location dedicated headed down to Louisiana in late spring solely to exhibiting films. The idea was of 1896. Along with him came Walter J. quite risky, since no one knew if the Wainwright, a carnival showman and movies, without other entertainment, former tightrope walker, and Walter A. would draw crowds. Rock and Reid, a projectionist from Koster and Wainwright would soon get their answer. Bial’s live performance music hall. On July 26, 1896, Vitascope Hall At that time, it was common for movie became the first indoor seated theater exhibitors to show their films at existing dedicated strictly to exhibiting films in amusement venues, such as parks, the United States. It was located at vaudeville theatres, etc. After looking 623 Canal Street in New Orleans, around New Orleans, Rock, Wainwright Louisiana. and Reed found the perfect location on To learn more about the early days of West End and Lake Pontchartrain. movies in Louisiana, see America's West End Park was a popular First Movie Theater: Louisiana's entertainment center with a big Vitascope Hall, available on bandstand which extended out over the Amazon.com and on our website water for band concerts, vaudeville acts HollywoodontheBayou.com. and prominent stage personalities to appear. This area could also accommodate dances and fireworks displays. The park offered one other benefit to Rock -- it was located at the end of a streetcar line which provided the electrical power necessary to operate the Vitascope.

Although outdoor viewing was not ideal, audiences flocked to see the “moving pictures” and were AMAZED! Rock had entered into a contract with the West End Park for four weeks. After packing in the crowds, he renewed the contract and continued playing the West End Park for several seasons.

Impressed with the positive response he had received, Rock, along with Walter Wainwright, made the decision

5 SUMMER FILM SERIES AT THE ORPHEUM

Escape the Summer heat and enjoy free film screenings at the Orpheum Theater this Summer as a warm-up to the 30th annual New Orleans Film Festival (October 16-23, 2019)!

To celebrate the 30th year of the New Orleans Film Society’s film programming, admission to the series is free and open to the public. New Orleans Film Society members get one free popcorn per screening. Click here to become a member today.

Thursday, July 25th, 7 PM, doors at 6 PM GIRLS TRIP Director: Malcolm D. Lee, Comedy, 2017, 2h 2min.

When four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there’s enough dancing, drinking, brawling, and romancing to make the Big Easy blush.

Local comics Nkechi Chibueze, Ashleigh Branch, and Camille Roane will be on the stage to warm you up before the film begins. It’s going to be a night full of laughter! 6

Ashleigh Branch New Orleans native, Ashleigh Branch is a comedian that finds the funny in everyday life. As a wife and mother the material is easy to come by. Ashleigh started doing stand-up-comedy in 2016. Ashleigh believes comedy is a fun way to experience and work out the ups and downs of life. Though her first love is stand-up comedy; writing, sketch, and improv are also things she loves to do. She is also part of two all black, all female comedy groups; Black Girl Giggles and No Lye Comedy.

Camille Roane is a New Orleans based comic who spends most of her time picking fights on Facebook and trying to learn to twerk. She likes to think that makes her a dancer, activist, and comedienne. She is a founding member of No Lye Comedy and was named one of Thrillist’s “Best Undiscovered Stand Up Comedians”. Some people pursue entertainment careers to get their mamas out of the hood. She’s working hard because she just wants to be interviewed by “Fresh Air’s” Terry Gross. Nkechi Chibueze is a happy-go-lucky stand-up comedian/photographer/teacher currently living in New Orleans Louisiana. Nkechi is a proud founding member of No Lye Comedy, a collective which provides access to comedy education and performance opportunities for Black Women in New Orleans through monthly stand up & sketch shows, writing & improv workshops, and podcasting.

Thursday, August 1st, 7 PM, doors at 6 PM BAYOU MAHARAJAH Director: Lily Keber, Documentary, 2013, 1h 30min. Followed by a post-film discussion with director Lily Keber (recently included in Gambit’s 40 Under 40 list for 2019), moderated by pianist Jesse McBride.

Bayou Maharajah is a poetic documentary with rare footage, photographs, and interviews of late New Orleans pianist James Booker, whose great talent masked personal struggles with substance abuse and isolation. Bayou Maharajah took home the Audience Award and Jury Special Mention when it played as the Closing Night selection at New Orleans Film Festival in 2013.

Thursday, August 8th, 7 PM, doors at 6 PM DOWN BY LAW Director: Jim Jarmusch, Comedy, 1986, 1h 47min.

Summer Film Series at the Orpheum is presented by the New Orleans Film Society, in partnership with the Orpheum Theater, Gambit Weekly, and WWNO.

MEMBERS HAVE IT BEST!

This Summer, the New Orleans Film Society members get one free popcorn at each event of the Summer Film Series at the Orpheum; enjoy the member-only screening of The Last Black Man in San Francisco at the Prytania Theatre; and get $100 off of All-Access Passes for the 30th annual New Orleans Film Festival (October 16-23, 2019) during the Summer Pre-Sale until July 9th, 2019. New Orleans Film Society Memberships and New Orleans Film Festival passes may be purchased on-site at every event.

See all additional benefits members enjoy and join the Film Society today by clicking here.

Purchase All-Access Passes during Summer Pre-Sale for the 30th New Orleans Film Festival here.

EASY RIDER 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Fifty years ago ... a man went looking for America and couldn't find it anywhere.

Easy Rider, the counterculture classic released in 1969, proved to not only be an unexpected box-office success, but marked a turning point in American cinema and the way movies were made.

Filmed in the early part of 1968 and released in the United States on July 14, 1969, Easy Rider made stars out of actors Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson and pulled in over $19 million in its initial run.

According to the film’s British campaign book, while Peter Fonda was promoting another film in which he starred, he became enthusiastic about an idea that occurred to him: a story of two young men determined to experience freedom, shrug off conventional modes and manners, and live as they pleased during a trip across America on motorcycles.

Fonda outlined the idea to his friend Dennis Hopper in a long-distance telephone call. The idea was received enthusiastically by Hopper.

It was decided that there would be no studio shooting and that all filming would take place in the actual locales of the story. Actors to play the various roles were agreed and it was decided that Peter Fonda would produce and Dennis Hopper direct.

Easy Rider featured two young men on motorcycles who leave Los Angeles with very few problems and no timetable apart from the fact that they want to be in New Orleans in time for the Mardi Gras which is several weeks away. As a symbolic act, they throw away their watches before setting out.

Most of the film was adlibbed. The script contained only the bare camera outlines and was written by Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Terry Southern. Easy Rider was filmed between Los Angeles and the East Coast. The stars and technicians, although they had a story on paper, traveled until they found locations that they felt best fit their needs.

Upon finding such a place, the group would set up cameras and recording equipment and then scout around for interesting onlookers, many of whom usually ended up in the film itself. Director Hopper would then describe an Easy Rider script situation and ask them their reactions. Reactions were filmed and incorporated into the finished products.

Fonda and Hopper felt that by keeping the people in local conditions and in local groups their reactions to a given situation would be completely honest and without strain or pretense.

Louisiana locales were featured prominently in the film. The first such scene includes a trek over the Long-Allen Bridge over the Atchafalaya from Berwick to Morgan City. Along the route, they pass the old post office on the north side of East Main Street, Garden City, opposite Oak Street; and ride down West Main Street, Franklin, between Commercial and Jackson Streets.

One of the more memorable scenes was filmed at Melancon Café in Morganza. After six months of scouting locations for a Southern café with the right feel, the production crew decided on Melancon’s. Here our protagonists encounter a not-so-welcoming red neck crowd. To cast café customers, the filmmakers were preparing to audition a group of local theatre people. Instead, Hopper saw several people watching them and making wisecracks, so he decided to use them instead. To help them come up with bad things to say about them, Dennis told them that they had just raped and killed a young girl outside of town so they would feel free to use the worst terms they knew.

The next stop was the French Quarter for a Mardi Gras celebration and an acid-laced trip to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

The scene taking place in a baroque New Orleans bawdy house was actually filmed at the home of silent film star Norma Talmadge in Los Angeles.

The final scenes of the film take place on Louisiana Highway 105 North just outside of Krotz Springs.

Easy Rider was a critical and commercial success. It cost approximately $400,000 to film and made over $60,000,000 worldwide.

It won a number of awards and nominations. Dennis Hopper won the Best First Work Award from the Cannes Film Festival. The film also received nominations from the Academy Awards, Golden Globe and Bafta, just to name a few. It was also a favorite among film critics around the world. (See original 1969 Review Style One Sheet next page). 12

Easy Rider 50th Anniversary Celebrations AUGUST 24, 2019 FRANKLIN, GARDEN CITY, MORGAN CITY

EASY RIDING ON THE BAYOU

SEPTEMBER 28, 2019 VILLAGE OF MORGANZA

Easy Rider 50th Anniversary

Join us as we celebrate Morganza's role in the iconic film from 1969

Time & Location

Sep 28, 9:00 AM – 06:00 PM The Village of Morganza, Morganza, LA

About the Event

Join us as we celebrate an iconic film that was filmed in Morganza! The famous cafe scene was filmed in our very own Melancon's Cafe. The celebration will include a meet and greet with the local actors, souvenirs, food, music, a car and bike show, a guided ride to the spot where Captain America was shot, memorabilia on display and a movie screening. This is a small town so please contact [email protected] or 225-202-6601 if your group is interested in coming. Individuals, please consider registering to help us plan!

For more information, visit the website HERE!

16 CELEBRATING SATCHMO Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 4, 1901. He was raised by his mother Mayann in a neighborhood so dangerous it was called “The Battlefield.” He only had a fifth-grade education, dropping out of school early to go to work. An early job working for the Jewish Karnofsky family allowed Armstrong to make enough money to purchase his first cornet.

On New Year’s Eve 1912, he was arrested and sent to the Colored Waif’s Home for Boys. There, under the tutelage of Peter Davis, he learned how to properly play the cornet, eventually becoming the leader of the Waif’s Home Brass Band. Released from the Waif’s Home in 1914, Armstrong set his sights on becoming a professional musician. Mentored by the city’s top cornetist, Joe “King” Oliver, Armstrong soon became one of the most in-demand cornetists in town, eventually working steadily on Mississippi riverboats.

In 1922, King Oliver sent for Armstrong to join his band in Chicago. Armstrong and Oliver became the talk of the town with their intricate two-cornet breaks and started making records together in 1923. By that point, Armstrong began dating the pianist in the band, Lillian Hardin. In 1924, Armstrong married Hardin, who urged Armstrong to leave Oliver and try to make it on his own. A year in New York with Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra proved unsatisfying so Armstrong returned to Chicago in 1925 and began making records under his own name for the first time.

The records by Louis Armstrong and His Five–and later, Hot Seven–are the most influential in jazz. Armstrong’s improvised solos transformed jazz from an ensemble- based music into a soloist’s art, while his expressive vocals incorporated innovative bursts of scat singing and an underlying swing feel. By the end of the decade, the popularity of the Hot Fives and Sevens was enough to send Armstrong back to New York, where he appeared in the popular Broadway revue, “Hot Chocolates.” He soon began touring and never really stopped until his death in 1971.

The 1930s also found Armstrong achieving great popularity on radio, in films, and with his recordings. He performed in Europe for the first time in 1932 and returned in 1933, staying for over a year because of a damaged lip. Back in America in 1935, Armstrong hired Joe Glaser as his manager and began fronting a big band, recording pop songs for Decca, and appearing regularly in movies. He began touring the country in the 1940s.

In 1947, the waning popularity of the big bands forced Armstrong to begin fronting a small group, Louis Armstrong and His All Stars. Personnel changed over the years but this remained Armstrong’s main performing vehicle for the rest of his career. He had a string of pop hits beginning in 1949 and started making regular overseas tours, where his popularity was so great, he was dubbed “Ambassador Satch.” 17

In America, Armstrong had been a great Civil Rights pioneer for his race, breaking down numerous barriers as a young man. In the 1950s, he was sometimes criticized for his onstage persona and called an “Uncle Tom” but he silenced critics by speaking out against the government’s handling of the “Little Rock Nine” high school integration crisis in 1957. Armstrong continued touring the world and making records with songs like “Blueberry Hill” (1949), “Mack the Knife” (1955) and “Hello, Dolly! (1964),” the latter knocking the Beatles off the top of the pop charts at the height of Beatlemania.

The many years of constant touring eventually wore down Armstrong, who had his first heart attack in 1959 and returned to intensive care at Beth Israel Hospital for heart and kidney trouble in 1968. Doctors advised him not to play but Armstrong continued to practice every day in his Corona, Queens home, where he had lived with his fourth wife, Lucille, since 1943. He returned to performing in 1970 but it was too much, too soon and he passed away in his sleep on July 6, 1971, a few months after his final engagement at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. (Biography information courtesy of Louis Armstrong House Museum.)

Of the over two dozen films Armstrong appeared in, three were partially filmed in Louisiana.

New Orleans, 1947

Louis Armstrong is listed twice in the opening credits, once as "Louis Armstrong and his band" and once as a member of the New Orleans Ragtime Band. The opening credits include a "grateful acknowledgement" to the National Jazz Foundation based in New Orleans for its assistance in the production of the picture.

New Orleans marked the first and only feature film appearance by renowned blues and jazz singer Billie Holiday.

A review in Variety said this about Louis Armstrong’s acting:

"...'Satchmo' Armstrong is the star of the film, proving as solid in a generous dramatic role as he is on the trumpet."

Portions of the film were shot on location in New Orleans, including the front steps of Gallier Hall, the then city hall building, which, as reported in the New York Times, had remained unchanged since 1917. Other scenes were filmed in Audubon Park, on the Mississippi riverfront docks and in the French Quarter. About 500 New Orleanians were employed as extras.

Glory Alley - 1952

"It's a street of despair, but you can still find heaven there. That's the glory of the alley," sings Louis Armstrong in the title song from Glory Alley. The film begins when a popular New Orleans-Times Picayune columnist is about to retire. He tells his successor to find stories about real people, especially those on the section of Bourbon Street called “Glory Alley.” One such person is Socks Barbarrosa.

Barbarrosa is a boxer who suddenly bolts from the ring and goes off to war where he wins the congressional medal of honor. After the war, Socks returns to New Orleans and the boxing ring. Armstrong plays Shadow Johnson, a well-connected trainer who not only coaches Socks but also sings and plays a trumpet.

Exterior shots for the film were shot on location around New Orleans, including the opening title sequence which begins with a view of the Huey P. Long Bridge.

Satchmo the Great

This film was an expansion of half of a one-hour segment of Edward R. Murrow's See It Now , which aired on December 13, 1955. Film cameras follow Armstrong and His All Stars during the final stages of a triumphant European tour in the autumn of 1955.

After appearances in many major cities, the group flies into Zurich, where they receive a great welcome at the airport from a local "oompah" band, then perform on the runway. In Paris, during three capacity weeks at the Olympia Theatre in front of wildly enthusiastic audiences, Louis visits a Left Bank nightclub and plays with clarinetist Claude Luter’s group.

After the club closes for the night, Louis talks with reporter Edward R. Murrow about the tour, the origins and terminology of jazz and his beginnings in New Orleans. 19

Satchmo SummerFest presented by Chevron

THREE FULL DAYS of FEST August 2-4, 2019

Happy Birthday, Satchmo! This weekend celebrate Louis Armstrong at the 19 th annual Satchmo SummerFest presented by Chevron. It’ll be at the Jazz Museum at the Mint August 2-4, 2019 for three days of music, food, and learning about Louis.

In June, Oprah Magazine named Satchmo SummerFest one of the most “interesting things to experience in Louisiana!”

The nominal daily admission of $6 (children 12 and under are free) helps support the musicians and pay for the event. Admission also provides access to the Jazz Museum’s collection and exhibitions plus indoor activities like Pops’ Playhouse for Kids powered by Entergy New Orleans and the Hilton Satchmo Legacy Stage featuring presentations by renowned Armstrong scholars.

Ayo Scott Selected as 2019 Poster Artist

New Orleans artist Ayo Scott was selected as the 2019 French Quarter Festivals, Inc. artist, creating the artwork for both the French Quarter Festival and Satchmo SummerFest posters.

"When looking at the impact of jazz on music and music on the world, Louis Armstrong may be the single most influential person to be born in New Orleans,” Scott said. “I’m humbled to be able to create a tribute to such a man. I’m excited to share 'Reflections of King Louie', the 2019 Satchmo SummerFest Poster." Click here to pre-order yours.

Besides showcasing the best independent short films, the Iberia Film Festival also spotlights local films.

South Louisiana filmmakers will have an opportunity to have their film shown on the big screen with family and friends in the audience.

Q&A’s will follow screening with visiting filmmakers and actors. A meet and greet is also on the schedule.

Iberia Film Festival is presented by the Iberia Performance Arts League

For more information, visit the Iberia Film Festival website HERE.

Louisiana Film Milestones Most people do not realize just how much support Louisiana has given the film industry.

To do this we have to look…

Long before it was popular – Long before there was television – EVEN long before there was a HOLLYWOOD!

There are far too many films to list all the titles. (See the list by titles on HollywoodontheBayou.com). Instead, presented here are the movies celebrating milestone anniversaries. 10 Years Ago – 2009

12 Rounds - Dir: Harlin; Cast: Cena, Gillen. Action crime thriller filmed in New Orleans including Saturn Bar, Hotel Monteleone, Algiers ferry, a streetcar, an Elysian Fields bus, the World Trade

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans - Dir: Herzog; Cast: Cage, Mendes. Crime drama partially filmed in Algiers and New Orleans, including the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.

Cirque du Freak: the Vampire's Assistant - Dir: Weitz; Cast: Massoglia, Reilly. Action adventure fantasy thriller filmed partially in Baton Rouge, Folsom and New Orleans including Lusher Charter School.

Hurricane Season - Dir: Story; Cast: Whitaker, Washington. Sports drama filmed set in Marrero and filmed in Chalmette High School in Chalmette and New Orleans.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine - Dir: Hood; Cast: Jackman, Schreiber. Action adventure drama with some scenes filmed in New Orleans and Shreveport.

Year One - Dir: Ramis; Cast: Black, Cera. Adventure comedy partially filmed in Shreveport, including Stageworks, and Sibley.

20 Years Ago – 1999

Crazy in Alabama - Dir: Banderas; Cast: Griffith, Morse. Comedy drama partially filmed in Houma and New Orleans, including Lafitte Blacksmith Shop.

Double Jeopardy - Dir: Beresford; Cast: Judd, Jones. Crime drama mystery partially filmed in New Orleans.

Vendetta - Dir: Meyer; Cast: Walken, Askew. Made for TV historical drama set and partially filmed in New Orleans.

Zombie! vs. Mardi Gras - Dir: DeMolay, Frank, Lyddon; Cast: James, Dalken. Straight to video horror filmed and set in New Orleans.

30 Years Ago – 1989

Blaze - Dir: Shelton; Cast: Newman, Davidovich. Earl Long biography drama partially filmed at the state capitol in Baton Rouge, Clinton, Houma, Asphodel Plantation, the French Quarter in New Orleans and Winnfield.

Fletch Lives - Dir: Ritchie; Cast: Chase, Holbrook. Comedy mystery filmed partially at Ashland-Belle Helene Plantation in Geismer and Houmas House Plantation in Burnside, Gonzales, New Orleans, and Thibodaux.

Heart of Dixie - Dir: Davidson; Cast: Sheedy, Madsen. Drama filmed partially in Baton Rouge.

Johnny Handsome - Dir: Hill; Cast: Rourke, Barkin. Crime drama filmed at Avondale Shipyard in Avondale, Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola and around New Orleans.

Margaret Burke White (a/k/a) Double Exposure: The Story of Margaret Burke White - Dir: Schiller; Cast: Fawcett, Forrest. Made for TV bio drama partially filmed in Laurel Valley Plantation.

Sex, Lies and Videotape - Dir: Soderbergh; Cast: Spader, MacDowell. Drama filmed Zee Zee’s and around Baton Rouge.

Steel Magnolias - Dir: Ross; Cast: MacLaine, Dukakis. Romantic drama filmed in Natchitoches and on the Northwestern State University campus.

40 Years Ago – 1979

Evictors, The - Dir: Pierce; Cast: Morrow, Parks. Drama horror filmed and set in Louisiana.

Night Rider, The - Dir: Averback; Cast: Selby, Rodrigues. Action drama partially filmed in Baton Rouge and set in New Orleans.

Screams of a Winter Night - Dir: Wilson; Cast: Borel, Glasgow. Horror mystery filmed primarily at Caspari Hall on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches.

50 Years Ago – 1969

Easy Rider - Dir: Hopper; Cast: Fonda, Nicholson. Drama partially filmed in Louisiana. Filming locations included NewOrleans, including the French Quarter at Mardi Gras and the St. Louis Cemetery; the Long-Allen Bridge over the Atchafalaya River from Berwick to Morgan City; East Main Street of Garden City; West Main Street in Franklin; Krotz Springs, Lafayette, and Morganza.

Night of Bloody Horror - Dir: Houck; Cast: McRaney, Yellen. Horror filmed and set in New Orleans. World premiere in New Orleans August 9, 1969.

Number One - Dir: Gries; Cast: Heston, Walter. Sports drama filmed and set in New Orleans, including scenes filmed at Tulane Stadium during an actual New Orleans Saints game and St. Paul School in Covington.

Slaves - Dir: Biberman; Cast: Boyd; Warwick. Drama filmed in Shreveport.

Undefeated, The - Dir: McLaglen; Cast: Wayne, Hudson. Western filmed partially in Baton Rouge.

Witchmaker, The (a/k/a) Legend of Witch Hollow - Dir: Brown; Cast: Eisley, Brandt. Horror mystery set in Louisiana and filmed in Marksville.

60 Years Ago – 1959

Alligator People, The - Dir: Del Ruth; Cast: Garland, Bennett. This horror drama is set in the fictional town of Bayou Landing and filmed in the bayous of Louisiana.

Horse Soldiers, The - Dir: Ford; Cast: Wayne, Holden. Adventure western partially filmed in Alexandria and Natchitoches.

Louisiana Hussy, The - Dir: Sholem; Cast: Peterson, Coe. Drama filmed and set in bayou country. Filmed at the Idlewild Plantation and the Gaughman home in Patterson and around Morgan City at the cemetery, J. B. Fuselier home and the levee area called “the Pit.”

Sound and the Fury, The - Dir: Ritt; Cast: Brynner, Woodward. Drama filmed partially in Baton Rouge.

70 Years Ago – 1949

American Heritage of Hospitality - Dir: Blake; Cast: Martin. Documentary short filmed partially in New Orleans.

Pirogue Maker - short documentary of Ebdon Allemon (right), a Cajun craftsman, making a pirogue for the documentary Louisiana Story. Filmed at Bayou Pierre Part.

80 Years Ago – 1939

Modern New Orleans - Narrator: FitzPatrick. Traveltalk documentary filmed at various locations such as Port of New Orleans, Canal Street and Tulane University.

90 Years Ago – 1929

Evangeline - United Artists. Dir: Carewe; Cast: Del Rio; Drew. Drama partially filmed at Lake Catahoula and St. Martinville

100 Years Ago – 1919

Golden Legend - Universal. Dir: Levey. Cast: Fraser. Drama with some scenes shot in New Orleans.

In Old Kentucky - Drama with some scenes filmed in New Orleans.

John Petticoats - Paramount- Artcraft. Dir: Hillyer; Cast: Hart, Whitman. Comedy drama filmed and set in New Orleans. (Left)

110 Years Ago – 1909

Mephisto and the Maiden - Selig Polyscope. Dir: Boggs; Cast: Santschi, Ward. Fantasy short filmed in New Orleans. (Right) First drama filmed in Louisiana.

President Taft Visits New Orleans - Selig Polyscope. Originally released as With Taft in Panama with additional Panama footage. Later Panama footage was removed and film renamed.

120 Years Ago – 1899

A Darktown Dance - Edison; This film is listed in the 1900 Edison catalog as "A genuine New Orleans break-down". But, we found an ad stating that is was available in the January 1899 Phonoscope magazine.

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Project Goals

The Louisiana Film Channel project’s goals are:

 To feature the work of films produced in Louisiana.  For these local films to be aired on broadcast television free of charge.  To gain sponsorships to support our efforts to showcase Louisiana films.  To help spread the local film experience of both our filmmakers and our audience.  To eventually expand the program to other Louisiana cities.

Show Format

We will showcase Louisiana independent films along with filmmaker interviews and offer occasional tips for both film viewers and filmmakers, making the LA Film Channel a well rounded, satisfying experience. Air dates and times will be announced, but LFC will be broadcast on WLFT 30.1 (Cox 117) in the Baton Rouge area.

Submissions

Film submissions must meet the following criteria:

Click here for a copy of the LFC Submission Guide

 The majority of production must have taken place in Louisiana  Meet FCC broadcast standards  Submit a copy for review  Submit a broadcast release form (click here)

Send an email to [email protected] for more information.

Air Dates & Updates

 We will announce a target air date soon accompanied by a published schedule guide.  Below you can join our LA Film Channel mailing list to get news and updates. You can also click here to visit us on Facebook.

Sponsorships & Advertising

Sponsorships and advertising are available during this program. If you are interested, please contact us for details. 31

Louisiana Future Film History

The 2017 tax credit adjustments have put Louisiana film industry on the rise again. So, we thought you might want to take a look at some ongoing projects in Louisiana with basic information.

*Remember, some of these are the working titleS which are usually NOT the same as the release title, so final title may be different.

Features:

Annex – filming in New Orleans - shooting dates: in post production

Bill and Ted Face the Music – Starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter – Comedy, Music, Sci/fi - Once told they'd save the universe during a time- traveling adventure, 2 would-be rockers from San Dimas, California find themselves as middle-aged dads still trying to crank out a hit song and fulfill their destiny. Shooting dates: 6/24/19 – 8/17/19 – scheduled for release in 2020.

Blood Moon – Starring Kate Hudson, Zac Efron and Craig Robinson – A girl with unusual powers escapes from a mental asylum and tries to make it on her own in New Orleans - filming in New Orleans – Shooting dates: 6/30/19 – 8/5/19 – scheduled for release as Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon

Coach Willie – Starring Sterling Brown – filming in New Orleans – in post production and scheduled for release in 2020.

Greyhound – Starring Tom Hanks and Elisabeth Shue - A navy officer commands the Greyhound during World War II – filmed in Baton Rouge at Celtic Studios and the USS Kidd - in post production scheduled for release May 8, 2020

Secrets We Keep, The – Starring Joel Kinnaman and Chris Messina - A pair of Holocaust survivors make a new life for themselves in New York after the war. – In post production scheduled for release in 2020

Sulphur Springs – filming in New Orleans – listed as a tv movie - Shooting Dates: 4/13/19 – 9/29/19

Unhinged – Starring Russell Crowe and Gabriel Bateman – The story of a mother who leans on her horn at the wrong time, to the wrong guy. "Road rage" doesn't begin to describe what he's about to do to her and everyone she knows. - filming in New Orleans – Shooting dates: 7/15/19 – 8/23/19.

Untitled Soldier Project – Shooting dates 6/18/19 – 7/31/19.

TV series:

#Free Ray Shawn – Starring Alysha Ochse and Thomas Blake Jr. - A young, black Iraq War veteran named Rayshawn finds himself in a showdown with the New Orleans SWAT team and tries to talk his way out of the situation with a sympathetic officer. – filming in New Orleans – Shooting Dates: 5/13/19 – TBD

Filthy Rich - The heirs of a wealthy Southern businessman hatch a plan to get a piece of his fortune. Filming in New Orleans. Shooting Dates: 7/19 - TBD

Heaven of Hell – Starring Josh Hartnett and Barbara Hershey - It is a contemporary southern family saga, told through the eyes of the wife of a prodigal son and his Stanford educated psychiatrist wife who returns home to Mississippi to help run his family business. – filming downtown Baton Rouge and Celtic Studios – (could be released as Paradise Lost. )

Looking For Alaska – A new arrival at a boarding school falls in love with a beguiling female student. – partially filmed in Hammond, Amite and New Orleans.

Purge - season 2 – Starring Gabriel Chavarria and Hannah Anderson. Set in an altered United States, several unrelated people discover how far they will go to survive a night where all crime is legal for 12 hours. – filming in New Orleans – Shooting dates: 5/13/19 – 9/19.

Queen of the South - season 4 – Starring Alice Braga and Hemky Madera - An FBI informant threatens Teresa's growing empire while she deals with turmoil within her family. – filmed in New Orleans – in post production.

Queen Sugar - season 4 – Starring Rutina Wesley and Dawn Lyen Gardner - Follows the life of three siblings, who move to Louisiana to claim an inheritance from their recently departed father - an 800-acre sugarcane farm. Filming in Edgar, Vacherie and New Orleans – Shooting dates: 3/19 – TBD. 33

WHOWHO WEWE AREARE ANDAND WHATWHAT WEWE DODO For over 40 years we have been involved with documenting, recording and preserving film accessories (i.e., press books, movie stills, movie posters, general press materials, etc.). Our path has evolved from being just collectors to retail and wholesale dealers and eventually to full time researchers. And now our focus is on Louisiana’s extensive film history.

In researching information related to our personal collection of original movie posters (see photo below), we realized that there was no central location to find information about our state’s history in the filming industry. Thus, we have taken on the quest of preserving this information through books, film prints, lectures, research, website and exhibits of The Poole Collection (consisting of our personal collection acquired over 40 years).